A MAN has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm following a serious assault in Bridgwater.

The incident happened in Albert Street on February 15, when a victim was left in the canal after being seriously assaulted.

He was dragged out of the canal at around 11.30am and was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with back and chest injuries.

Franklin Torres, 23, of Lewisham, London, has been charged by Avon and Somerset Police with grievous bodily harm with intent.

He appeared at Taunton Magistrates Court on Friday, March 3, and was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear at Taunton Crown Court on April 3.

DI Angela Burtonwood: “Firstly, I would like to thank members of the public, fire brigade and the police officers who came to the aid of the victim and we are grateful for the continued support of the community."

Albert Street was closed to traffic for several hours following the incident, while police carried out their investigations.

They cordoned off the road and admitted they were looking into the possibility of an assault,

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service alerted the police to the incident, after they attended to rescue the man, who was trapped in the mud.

While he was taken to hospital, it is not believed that his injuries were serious.

They were alerted to the incident by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, who rescued the man who was trapped in the mud.

His injuries are not thought to be serious.